10 Prime Spots To Hang with a Baby on the Eastside of LA
Having a new baby is a blessing. An exhausting, isolating blessing. To remember what a gift it can be, new moms and dads need to get out of the darn house every once and awhile. If you live on the Eastside of Los Angeles, whether it’s Boyle Heights or Echo Park, you’ve got some cool options to catch your breath with baby in tow. Here are a few of the best spots to get some hang time in with your mini-me.
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1. Peekaboo Playland
Playtime never ends at Peekaboo Playland, a romper room of fun in Eagle Rock. With a giant jungle gym for the kids, and free coffee for the parents, everyone is guaranteed to be bouncing off the walls. If you’ve got a little one who needs to burn off some energy, this is a great spot.
2030 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles CA. 90041
323.255.1400
Photo courtesy of Peekaboo Playland
2. Golden Road Brewery
Sometimes new parents just need a drink, but unless your five month old has a fake ID, most bars are suddenly off limits. That’s where Golden Road Brewery comes in. This cavernous beer hall is as family friendly as it gets, with lawn games and a giant kids' menu. It even has real life trains that charge by, distracting kids from the suds you’re throwing back.
5410 W San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA. 90039
213.373.4677
3. Silver Lake Meadow
LA is full of fabulous parks, but if you’re looking for a safe, clean spot to feel the grass between your toes, nothing beats the Silver Lake Meadow. Impeccably manicured, the park has loads of space for a parent and baby to take in some sunshine in peace. And no need to worry about rowdy dogs knocking your toddler over; dogs aren’t allowed.
1850 W Silver Lake Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90026
4. Los Feliz 3 Me and My Parent Screenings
Having a baby can sometimes feel like a five year commitment to cartoons. Thankfully, theaters like the Los Feliz 3 are making sure we don’t need to miss our favorite movies. Every Wednesday morning, the theater opens up to families—with children under the age of four on the house. For once, screaming babies and screaming adults can enjoy the latest horror flick together, and no one will bat an eye.
1822 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.664.2169
5. Kitchen Mouse
Having a baby means never having time to make a nice meal for yourself. That’s where Kitchen Mouse comes in. The oh-so-LA, gluten free, vegan restaurant in Highland Park has a kids' play area to keep a little one entertained while you chow down on that tempeh ruben. For a place to have a healthy meal, play with baby, AND meet up with an old friend, this charming spot right in the heart of Highland Park can’t be beat.
5904 N Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042
323.259.9555
RELATED: 10 Kid-friendly Happy Hours in Silver Lake and Los Feliz
Love Bug & Me Music. Photo courtesy of The Cradle Company
6. The Cradle Company
Having a support system is key for new parents, and The Cradle Company in Pasadena is the perfect place to start building one. With lactation consultants and a slew of classes, this is the spot to learn how to be a better parent on the job, and meet other sleep-deprived people going through the same thing.
1359 N Hill Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104
323.662.0100
7. Americana at Brand
Babies who wants to grow up to be good members of the consumer class need to get some mall exposure nice and early. Thankfully, the Americana at Brand has dozens of shops and restaurants to lose an afternoon exploring with the little one. If you're looking for some company, the Americana has a few options for working out for free with a baby, including Stroller Strides classes.
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
8. Salazar
A charming outdoor restaurant mere steps from the LA River, Salazar is the joint for world class Mexican food, cocktails to blow your mind, and a low-key vibe that welcomes full families. Parents with babies love the forgiving atmosphere of this refurbished auto body shop, full of lush gardens and loopy hipsters.
2490 Fletcher Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90039
Barnsdall Friday Night Wine Tasting. Photo courtesy of Travis Dina
9. Barnsdall Art Park Fridays
From May to September, there’s no more family friendly place to enjoy a glass of wine than the Barnsdall Art Park. Every Friday all summer long, local favorite Silverlake Wine puts together a tasting at the top of the hill, with breathtaking views to boot. For $25 guests get three glasses of wine, while anyone under the age of three gets in for free. Show up early to have a glass or six before little ones' bedtime. You won’t be the only plastered parent; that’s guaranteed.
800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039
10. Beacon at the Echo Park Lake Boathouse
No matter what time of day, you’re sure to see the stroller set out in force at Echo Park Lake. The new café in the old boathouse offers a place to chill and enjoy some free WiFi. This is a prime destination to fit in some serious sun therapy, get a little work done while the baby sleeps, and have a cup of coffee while watching humanity on parade.
751 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90026
213.318.5193
Top photo via Bigstock
Places featured in this article:
Silver Lake Meadow
Americana at Brand
Barnsdall Art Park
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